Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients often come to us with common questions and concerns. For your convenience, we've posted some of them here with the answers. If you have a question that we haven't answered, please feel free to call us at (757) 481-3893 to find out more.
Or you can submit a question directly to your doctors by clicking here.
I've always dreamed of having whiter teeth. Can you help me?
Yes, in fact we've noticed that all of our patients want whiter teeth and have concluded it's a universal desire. Tooth whitening removes stains from the teeth caused by coffee, teas, tobacco, food and tartar. We've been using tooth whiteners for years and have never seen any adverse effect on teeth or gum tissue. With our tooth whitening procedure, we can help your teeth become several shades lighter.
My friend just told me about a Smile Makeover. What exactly is that?
Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile. Look carefully at your smile. If you feel it could be better, consider having a smile makeover. A beautiful smile can increase your confidence and self-esteem, giving you an edge in your everyday activities by improving your professional and personal image. In short, a smile makeover is a complete reconstruction of your smile, from the inside out with a comprehensive analysis and redesign of your gum tissue and teeth.
What types of problems are addressed by cosmetic Dentistry?
If your teeth are dark or worn and make you look older, if gaps or chips make you feel self-conscious, or if crooked or discolored teeth stop you from smiling fully, a Smile Makeover can help. Although every patient's smile is unique, some new smiles are completed in a single visit. A Smile Makeover can redesign the shape of your gums and teeth, and change the overall look of your smile. It's not just about beautifying your smile, although that is of extreme importance. It's also about adjusting your bite so that it is healthy and strong.
My teeth are crooked. Do I need braces?
Not necessarily. Instant orthodontics is a procedure that straightens teeth using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns instead of braces. It can close large gaps between your teeth and correct overcrowding in one or two visits. Your teeth become naturally stronger by the bonded porcelain veneers. However if we feel the final results will be improved by orthodontics then we will discuss these treatment options.
How can I replace missing teeth?
A complete set of teeth improves your confidence and self-esteem, but it also increases the longevity of your natural teeth by removing stress placed on them. We have several procedures to help replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges, natural looking partial or full dentures. It is not necessary to live with missing teeth any longer.
Dental Implants--What are they?
Dental implants have become a choice treatment option for many patients who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth "root" constructed of medical grade titanium. Dental implants are extremely stable, strong and natural looking. Patients with dental implants are able to eat, smile and laugh without fear or embarrassment that their denture may slip or click, or that their bridge will trap food.
What will happen when I get a dental implant?
The implant is inserted into the jawbone in the area of a missing tooth, and a "crown" is constructed to act as the visible portion of the tooth. Dental implant surgery is generally less painful than having a tooth surgically extracted. We will place the implant into the jawbone and then cover it with gum tissue, allowing it to heal and "osseointegrate," meaning that it will bond to the surrounding bone in the next two to four months. While the healing process takes place, the patient wears a temporary replacement tooth. Once the implant has bonded to the surrounding bone, we will uncover it and attach a post to the implant protruding through the gum. At this point, we can build a permanent crown for the tooth. The final result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels and acts like a natural tooth.
Will it hurt?
If you haven't been to a dental office in a while, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Today's dentistry is faster than ever before, and procedures are virtually pain-free. All of our staff members are highly trained to make each of your visits as pleasant and pain-free as possible. We have many options to help you relax here, including, a friendly and seren environment the "WAND" Computerized Denatl Anesthetic, and pre-appointment sedation. We have been able to relax and calm even the most phobic dental patient.
I have always received the finest dental care at your office. Do you accept referrals?
Of course we do. Most of our patients are referred to us by word-of-mouth, and we consider that to be one of the highest compliments our patients can give.
What happens if the office is closed and I have an emergency?
If you would have a dental emergency or an urgent question please don't hesitate to call Dr. Zapatero on his cell phone or our dental emergency link through our office voice mail system. We are here to help you.
Dr. Zapatero 593-3897
